Lukashenko's migration warfare. Tensions soar at Polish border
The situation at the Polish-Belarusian border is increasingly tense, with the migration crisis escalating. Alexander Lukashenko is leveraging migrants as a political weapon, pushing them toward the European Union's borders.
9:54 AM EDT, April 12, 2024
Frank Viacorka, a political advisor to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, discussed the potential countermeasures against the Belarusian dictator's tactics with "Fakt." Viacorka highlighted that Lukashenko is constantly devising new strategies, and the possibility of further provocations remains high.
An attack involving more than 200 migrants at the Polish border on April 10 typifies the ongoing hybrid warfare initiated by Lukashenko in 2021.
-The hybrid war continues unabated. The number of migrants fluctuates, but the conflict persists. As long as Lukashenko remains in Minsk, he constantly threatens Poland and Lithuania," Viacorka told "Fakt." He and Tsikhanouskaya, who ran for the Belarusian presidency in 2020 and faced harassment from Lukashenko's regime, currently reside in Lithuania.
How to halt Lukashenko's actions?
Viacorka points out that the migration issues at the Polish-Belarusian border are orchestrated in conjunction with Moscow. He suggests several strategies when asked how the European Union could more effectively deter Lukashenko's maneuvers.
Viacorka emphasizes that these actions are orchestrated by a criminal syndicate. Attacking its political and financial interests is essential. This approach could halt the migration crisis.
His first recommendation involves issuing an ultimatum to stop the transit of goods through the Polish-Belarusian and Lithuanian-Belarusian borders.
Viacorka observes that the moment such discussions take a serious turn in Brussels, a shift in Lukashenko's stance will become evident. Goods from Russia, China, and other Asian countries depend on these routes. Considering this in the EU would significantly impact Lukashenko.
Secondly, he suggests that Poland and Lithuania could advocate for action against Belarus in the International Court of Justice. - Although the issue has somewhat subsided, swift action is required. Initiating official proceedings against Lukashenko and his regime for the migration crisis would send a powerful message. It's an option worth pursuing, Viacorka notes.
